Arsenal edged out Chelsea with a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a decisive header from Mikel Merino in the 20th minute.
The win solidifies Arsenal’s position in the Premier League, placing them nine points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea.
The Gunners capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, with Merino rising to meet Martin Ødegaard’s corner, directing the ball past Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez.
Despite Chelsea’s efforts to equalize, including a close attempt by Marc Cucurella, they couldn’t break through Arsenal’s defense.
This victory narrows the gap between Arsenal and league leaders Liverpool to 12 points, keeping their title aspirations alive.
Chelsea, missing key player Cole Palmer due to injury, struggled offensively and now face increased pressure to secure their Champions League spot.
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, while Chelsea aims to regroup ahead of their next Premier League fixture
The Gunners came into this one without a win in their last three league games, 15 points off Arne Slot’s rampaging Reds and in danger of being dragged into a top four scrap.
Those nerves have settled now, nine points above Enzo Maresca’s Blues in fourth and four points above Nottingham Forest in third thanks to Mikel Merino’s 20th minute Emirates winner.
It seems boss Arteta is content with a third-successive runners-up spot this term, something he sees as a real achievement given their damaging injury record this campaign.
This was not Arsenal at their fluid best, not that they needed to be against a Chelsea outfit without an injured Cole Palmer and it desperately showed.
